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Preparation/Training

If you don't understand any portion, contact your dealer for more information.

Education

Weldcraft Boats recommends taking a boating class through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. These classes provide the information necessary to boat safely, and compilation of a class can be good for a discount on boat insurance. For information on Auxiliary or Power Squadron classes. call 1-800-368-5647.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is a volunteer association of boaters. The Auxiliary promotes safe boating by offering free boating classes, working with the Coast Guard on search and rescue. patrolling races and regattas and upon invitation, conducting safety checks or privately owned boats. Law enforcement authorities are not notified if you fail the safety check.

U.S. Power Squadron

The United States Power Squadron is a nationwide association of boaters dedicated to the promotion safety, good citizenship and good fellowship afloat. Local squadrons offer a free course in Piloting and Small Boat Handling. Included in this course are classes on Equipment and Regulations. Rules of the Road, Seamanship, Safety Afloat, Compass, Aids of Navigation, Charts, and Piloting.

Weather

Before you begin a cruse, check the local “weather and sea” conditions. Detailed information can be obtained by telephone or by listing to local radio stations, Coast Guard Radio, or the National Weather Service VHF/FM broadcasts on frequencies of 162.400, 162.425 162.475, and 162.550 MHz in areas where available. Storm warning flags are displayed at selected coastal locations such as Coast Guard stations, marinas, public piers, and yacht clubs. These signals are a prediction of potentially dangerous wind or, in the case of small craft warnings, winds and seas dangerous to small boats. Boaters should know these signals and heed their warnings.

Fueling

Most fires and explosions happen after fueling. To prevent an accident, follow these rules:

  • Fuel before dark.
  • Don't smoke or strike matches.
  • Shut off motors. Turn off electrical equipment.
  • Close all windows, doors, and openings.
  • Take portable tanks out of the boat and fill them on the dock.
  • Keep the fill nozzle in contact with the tank.
  • Fuel expands as it warms. Don't fill tanks completely: overfilling can lead to spills.
  • Wipe up any spilled gasoline. Discard the cloth in a safe manner.
  • Ventilate for at least five minutes. Sniff around to make sure there is no order of gasoline anywhere in the boat. Periodically check the entire fuel system for leaks. Some fuels contain alcohol which can cause rubber gaskets and hoses to deteriorate, resulting in leaks.

Boat Capacity

The total weight of passengers, supplies, and motor should not exceed the capacity plate limitation(Overloading - fine of up to $350).

It's the operator's responsibility that supplies be carefully loaded and all passengers be properly seated. Remember:

  • Spread weight evenly.
  • Fasten gear to prevent shifting.
  • Keep passengers seated.
  • Don't overload.

Boat Ramp Etiquette

The following tips are offered to assist you when launching and recovering your boat. To avoid unnecessarily blocking the ramp, conduct as much of the operation in the lot as possible.

LAUNCH (Recovery is basically in reverse order)

  • Be sure all required safety equipment and registration are on board.
  • Ensure tongue is securely fastened to ball hitch, remove tie downs.
  • Check condition of battery, motor and angle of drive unit. Insure bilge plugs are firmly in place.
  • Move to ramp and launch.
  • Check drive unit prior to backing down ramp. (Having a lookout or someone in the boat is helpful).
  • Unhook bow safety restraint, power or pull off trailer.
  • Run blower, start boat, move to dock for passenger pickup. (If alone, secure boat quickly and move vehicle off ramp.)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Trouble Shooting
    • High Water Temperature
    • Low Oil Pressure
    • Engine Will Not Turn Over
    • Engine Turns Off But Won't Start
    • Shifter Control Will Not Move
    • Steering Frozen
    • Fuel Gauge Not Working
    • Buzz Light Low Oil High Water Temperature
    • Engine Starts But Runs Rich
    • Engine Starts But Runs Rough
    • Engine Starts and Runs WIth Hesitation In Midrange
    • Engine Will Not Reach Top RPM
    • Volt Meter Reads Low Scale
    • Tachometer Reads Low Scale - Engine O.K.
    • Tachometer Sluggish or Inconsistent
    • Navigation Lights Don't Work
    • Bilge Blower Does Not Operate
  • Preparation
    • Education
    • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
    • U.S. Power Squadron
    • Weather
    • Fueling
    • Boat Capacity
    • Boat Ramp Etiquette
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